Integrated isotropic illumination source for translucent item inspection
US5440385A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 8, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 5, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/90
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A substantially isotropic illumination source utilizes a generally spherical, translucent diffuser. The spherical diffuser has an inner wall and a diffusive outer wall. Light is communicated inwardly to the sphere along a first hemisphere. Light is diffused and homogenized by internal reflection within the sphere and communicated outwardly through a complimentary hemisphere. This light, upon being diffused by the external or outer wall is substantially isotropic. The isotropic light so generated is utilized for video inspection of translucent specimens with improved contrast to facilitate detection of flaws therein. Another aspect utilizes a specimen itself as the isotropic diffuser.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.